The walk back was quiet. Not the kind of silence that felt heavy, but a peaceful one. Sam's grip on Mahiru's hand was firm yet gentle, as if grounding himself in her presence. The cool night air brushed against them, the streetlights casting soft glows on the pavement.
Mahiru glanced sideways at him. He still looked exhausted—his eyes red and swollen from crying—but there was a certain calmness in his expression now. A quiet acceptance of the pain he had tried to bury for so long.
"…You're really stubborn, you know that?" she said, breaking the silence.
Sam blinked at her. "What?"
"You really thought you could go through all of this alone?" She sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Idiot."
Sam let out a weak chuckle. "Yeah… maybe I am."
Mahiru pouted. "Not maybe. Definitely."
He let out another soft chuckle, his shoulders relaxing just a little. Seeing that made Mahiru smile. At least he could laugh again, even if it was small.
After a while, they reached Mahiru's apartment building. Sam hesitated at the entrance.
"…You should go rest," Mahiru said, turning to him. "You've had a rough day."
Sam nodded, but he didn't move. He looked at her for a moment, as if trying to find the right words.
"…Thank you," he finally said, his voice quiet but sincere. "For finding me. For staying with me."
Mahiru's heart ached at the way he said it—like he truly hadn't expected anyone to be there for him.
She took a step closer, reaching out to fix the messy strands of his hair. "Of course, dummy. I told you, I'll always be here for you."
Sam swallowed, his throat tightening.
Something about the way she said those words made his chest feel warm. Like he wasn't alone. Like he never had to be alone again.
Mahiru smiled softly, then suddenly flicked his forehead lightly.
"Ow—hey!" Sam protested, rubbing his forehead.
"That's for making me worry," she said, crossing her arms. "Next time, just tell me when you're feeling like this, okay? No more running off alone."
Sam sighed, but there was a small, genuine smile on his face. "Alright, alright."
Mahiru seemed satisfied with that answer. "Good. Now go home and sleep."
"…You too," Sam said.
Mahiru chuckled. "I will."
She turned to go inside, but just before stepping through the door, she glanced back at him.
"Goodnight, Sam."
He met her gaze, and for the first time that night, he felt something lighter—something warm.
"…Goodnight, Mahiru."
As she disappeared into the building, Sam stood there for a moment longer, staring up at the sky.
The stars were still the same. The night was still quiet. But somehow, he didn't feel as alone anymore.
With a deep breath, he turned and walked away, the warmth of Mahiru's words still lingering in his heart.
---